Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Baked Mac & Cheese

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of comfort food? let's be honest, who doesn't love a good baked mac and cheese recipe ? it is proper tasty! this one's a winner because it is unbelievably cheesy and easy to make.

Brief Overview

Mac and cheese casserole is a classic american dish. think of it like a big hug on a plate! it's a relatively simple recipe, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes 6 generous servings.

Main Benefits

This creamy baked mac and cheese is soul food at its finest. it is loaded with calcium and good vibes! it's perfect for a cosy night in or feeding a crowd.

What makes this recipe so special? it's utterly foolproof and tastes amazing.

The Story Behind the Cheese

Honestly, i've messed up so many mac and cheese casserole recipes over the years. one time, i added way too much nutmeg! it tasted like christmas gone wrong.

That is why i wanted to share this perfect recipe

My simple mac and cheese recipe is truly easy to create.

What You'll Need

Here is a cracking list of what you'll need.

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted
• Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose
• Milk: 3 cups (720ml) whole
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground (optional)
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded, sharp or medium
• Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (55g) grated
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) (optional)
• Melted butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) (optional)

Don't scrimp on the cheese! Freshly grated makes a big difference. Grate your own cheese!

Get Your Kit On

You will need a large pot, colander, saucepan, whisk and a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Mac & Cheese

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this easy baked mac and cheese recipe. don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have kicking about.

Honestly, this recipe is all about comfort, not complications.

The Stars of the Show

First, the pasta! we're talking 1 pound (450g) of elbow macaroni. but, you know, shells or cavatappi work too. just whatever you fancy, really.

For the cheddar, go for a sharp or medium cheddar , roughly 2 cups (225g) shredded. it really makes all the difference.

Also get 1 cup (115g) shredded monterey jack. finally, get 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese.

For the base of the sauce get 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter. get also 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour to thicken things up.

Milk time, use 3 cups (720ml) whole milk. season well using 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper . a little nutmeg (about 1/4 teaspoon ) can be nice if you have it.

Panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup (50g) are very important. Also get 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter.

Spice It Up, Darling!

The cheese combo is key. cheddar gives the flavour, monterey jack makes it super melty, and parmesan adds a bit of poshness.

I used the spices mentioned to give it an amazing flavour. it's like a hug in a bowl, innit?

If you want to spice things up, chuck in a pinch of cayenne. or use some hot sauce into the cheese sauce.

Boom. now, that’s some comfort food mac and cheese right there.

Tools of the Trade

Right, what bits and bobs do you need? a large pot for the pasta, obviously. a colander to drain it.

A large saucepan for the cheese sauce. grab a whisk to keep things smooth. finally, a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish to bake it all in.

Don't have a whisk? a fork will do in a pinch, just work those arm muscles! i've totally used a cereal bowl as a measuring cup before.

We've all been there, haven't we?

This simple mac and cheese recipe is adaptable, don't stress if you don't have exactly the right tools. The most important thing is to have a dish to bake it in.

See? Nothing too scary. Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Let's Talk Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe , Shall We?

Honestly, who doesn't love comfort food mac and cheese ? it's the ultimate hug in a bowl. today, we're diving into making an easy baked mac and cheese recipe .

Forget those fancy versions. we're talking proper, creamy baked mac and cheese goodness. i'll guide you on making a cheesy, flavourful mac and cheese casserole , perfect for a family meal.

Prep Steps for a Cracking Mac and Cheese Casserole

First, mise en place is key, my friend. get everything prepped before you start. it’s like having all your bandmates ready to jam.

Cook your 1 pound of elbow macaroni to al dente. grate 2 cups of cheddar, 1 cup of monterey jack and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.

Having all ingredients prepped is a total game changer. oh, and don't forget to grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Time saving tip? Grate your cheese while the pasta cooks. It's like hitting two birds with one stone, innit?

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step Process for the Best Homemade Mac And Cheese Casserole

Alright, let's get this show on the road.

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F .

2. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour. Cook for 1 minute to banish that floury taste.

3. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5- 7 minutes .

4. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.

5. Stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of Monterey Jack, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan until melted.

6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

7. Pour the mac and cheese into the greased baking dish.

   Bake for 20- 25 minutes until golden brown. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving, so you don't burn the roof of your mouth.

Pro Tips for Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Want to elevate your cheesy macaroni bake ? Grate your own cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded. Trust me on this one.

If you want to make-ahead, assemble the mac and cheese. then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time. also, be careful not to overcook the pasta. overcooked pasta will be mushy.

A definite no-no!

So there you have it, my friends. Easy peasy lemon squeezy baked mac & cheese! A simple mac and cheese recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite.

Recipe Notes for Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese

Right then, let's talk about making your baked mac and cheese recipe absolutely banging. honestly, even the simplest recipe can be elevated with a few clever tweaks.

We want this to be the best homemade mac and cheese casserole ever!

Serving Like a Pro

So, you've got this glorious creamy baked mac and cheese . What next? Think about presentation! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika can make it look extra tempting.

For sides, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, go classic with some garlic bread. A proper British pint of ale wouldn't go amiss either!

Storing the Goodness

Got leftovers? lucky you! this mac and cheese casserole keeps well. pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.

Freezing is also an option. just wrap it well and it'll last for up to two months.

To reheat, oven is best. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Microwaving works too, but can sometimes make it a bit rubbery.

Spice it Up

Fancy a change? How about a spicy version? A pinch of cayenne pepper transforms your classic baked mac and cheese . For a veggie boost, chuck in some roasted broccoli before baking.

For our gluten-free mates, just swap to gluten-free pasta. You'll never even know the difference with this simple mac and cheese recipe .

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, let's keep it real. this isn't a health food. but it's good for the soul! one serving has roughly 550 calories, 25g protein, 35g fat, and 40g carbs.

Loads of calcium and comfort though.

This comfort food mac and cheese will put a smile on your face. So, go on, treat yourself!

Alright there, now you're armed with all the knowledge. Get into the kitchen. Make some magic with this easy baked mac and cheese recipe . You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this baked mac and cheese recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with cling film, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

What's the best way to store leftover baked mac and cheese?

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Alternatively, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through.

My cheese sauce is lumpy! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Lumpy cheese sauce is a common kitchen woe! It often happens when the flour isn't fully incorporated into the butter or when the milk is added too quickly. To fix it, try using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce. You can also strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.

Next time, whisk the flour and butter like you're trying to win Bake Off and add the milk gradually, whisking constantly.

Can I use different types of cheese for this easy baked mac and cheese recipe?

Definitely! That's the beauty of mac and cheese it's totally customisable. Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Fontina, or even a bit of smoked Gouda for a richer flavour. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.

Think of it like choosing your favourite fillings for a jacket potato - the possibilities are endless!

How can I make this baked mac and cheese recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten things up! Use whole wheat pasta for added fibre. Substitute some of the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or skimmed milk to reduce the fat content.

You can also add vegetables like steamed broccoli or spinach to boost the nutritional value without compromising the flavour too much.

What can I add to my baked mac and cheese recipe to make it extra special?

Fancy taking your mac and cheese from 'alright' to 'absolutely brilliant'? Consider stirring in some crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked sausage for added protein and flavour. A sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a touch of spice.

You could even top it with some caramelised onions for a touch of sweetness - like a posh pub lunch in one dish!